Page:Life in Mexico vol 1.djvu/146

126. Every day, we had the following dialogue, as he rose to take leave

"Madam! (this by the bed-side) I am at your service."

"Many thanks, sir."

"Madam! (this at the foot of the bed) know me for your most humble servant."

"Good morning, sir."

"Madam! (here he stopped beside a table) I kiss your feet."

"Sir, I kiss your hand."

"Madam! (this near the door) my poor house, and all in it, myself, though useless, all I have, is yours."

"Many thanks, sir."

He turns round and opens the door, again turning round as he does so,

"Adieu, Madam! your servant."

"Adieu, sir."

He goes out, partly re-opens the door, and puts in his head,

"Good morning. Madam! "

This civility, so lengthened out, as if parting were such "sweet sorrow," between doctor and patient, seems rather misplaced. It is here considered more polite to say Señorita than Señora, even to married women, and the lady of the house is generally called by her servants, "La Niña," the little girl, even though she be over eighty. This last custom is still more common in Havana, where the old negresses, who have always lived in the family, and are accustomed to call their young mistress by this name, never change, whatever be her age.